Oilers Hire McDavid's Agent Jeff Jackson As CEO Of Hockey Ops

Cult of Hockey

Published Aug 03, 2023 • Last updated 15 minutes ago • 3 minute read

Twitter bio image of new Oilers hockey boss Jeff Jackson

Surprising news bright and early on a Thursday morning in August, as Oilers Entertainment Group has made major changes at the very top of its Hockey Operations department. Jeff Jackson — best known in these parts as Connor McDavid‘s agent — is in as CEO, while his predecessor Bob Nicholson has been reassigned a role as Special Advisor.

OEG Inc. Owner & Chairman Daryl Katz announces Jeff Jackson has been named the new #Oilers CEO of Hockey Operations.

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 3, 2023

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Jeff Jackson is a former NHL player, playing 263 games with four teams between 1984-92, but has made a name for himself post-playing career. According to this morning’s media release from the Oilers, he spent years as a corporate and entertainment lawyer, then switched gears in 2006 to become the Assistant General Manager of Toronto Maple Leafs. There he had direct oversight of the AHL squad Toronto Marlies, a role very similar to what Keith Gretzky has carved out with the Oilers.

In 2010 Jackson became a player agent, ultimately building his Wasserman Hockey into a major player. As an agent he represented McDavid, Aaron Ekblad, Alex DeBrincat and many others. With Jackson now otherwise engaged, McDavid will be represented by Wasserman’s Judd Moldaver, who is also the agent for Auston Matthews among others.

This from Edmonton-based Agent Gerry Johansson of @TSC_Hockey

“Jeff Jackson is a terrific hire for the Edmonton Oilers.
He is well regarded in our industry.
Jeff has integrity.
He is a first class guy to deal with and has lots of experience and knowledge of our game.”

— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) August 3, 2023 Edmonton Journal

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While McDavid’s eight-year, $100 million contract still has three years to run, one can only think this move increases the likelihood that he will stay with the organization in the longer term. He stated: “Jeff and I have had a long and fruitful relationship, and I have witnessed his care, relentlessness, and obvious knowledge of the game and industry firsthand. I look forward to working with Jeff in his new role, and am excited about what this means for the future of the Oilers.”

The release states in part: “In his new role, Jackson will report directly to [owner Daryl] Katz and serve as an Alternate Governor on the NHL Board of Governors. He will oversee all aspects of OEGSE’s NHL, AHL and WHL hockey operations. Jackson will work closely with Ken Holland, who continues in his role as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers and will report to Jackson. Paul Coffey, who has been with the Oilers as a Special Advisor to Daryl Katz for more than a year and has been integral to bringing Jeff to OEGSE, will also assist Jackson in his new role with the organization.”

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Meanwhile, the former CEO Nicholson was barely mentioned in the release, mentioned among a group of names in a quote from Jackson but not otherwise. According to the Oilers Staff Directory, Nicholson is now considered a Special Advisor to Hockey Operations, noting that he left his prior role in June 2023, now over a month in the rear view. That suggests this has been in the works for a while.

Local sports reporters Ryan Rishaug and Jason Gregor provided these comments:

Sounds like this is all part of a planned transition that allows Nicholson to dial back his duties.

— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) August 3, 2023

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Jeff Jackson replaces Bob Nicholson, who stays on in an advisory role with Oilers Entertainment Group. @frank_seravalli mentioned Nicholson was looking to step away in May on our @DailyFaceoff pod. This is the succession plan. Good hire for Oilers. Jackson has many connections…

— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) August 3, 2023

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Jackson is viewed as a progressive sort who may very well be expected to overhaul the hockey club’s approach to analytics, a development that is long overdue in the eyes of many critics.

According to the club’s media release, “The Oilers will host a media availability at Rogers Place on Thursday, August 3 at 2pm MT with Jeff Jackson and Ken Holland that can be viewed exclusively on OilersPlus.com.”

We will provide a further update after that avail.

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